Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Donna Baker Resigns From GIA

The industry expressed shock and puzzlement after the
Gemological Institute of America announced that Donna M. Baker, its
longtime president and CEO, had abruptly resigned “due to differing
views on the direction of GIA.”
GIA spokesman Stephen Morisseau declined to comment on how the board of governors’ vision differed from Baker’s.
Even people inside GIA, where Baker has been generally seen as a popular and successful chief executive, told JCK the announcement was unexpected and mystifying.
GIA board members privately praised Baker’s performance and business acumen, but declined to provide more details.
The
departure of Baker, who headed the institute for seven years and
appeared at last week’s JCK Las Vegas show, was so sudden that she
didn’t even say goodbye to the staff. Her resignation was instead
announced by current board of governors chair Susan M. Jacques,
president and CEO of Borsheims, who has stepped in immediately as GIA’s
interim president and CEO.
Jacques, currently based in Omaha,
Neb., will be “spending a significant amount of time” in Carlsbad,
Calif., during her interim stint, Morisseau says.
The organization is now conducting a search for a permanent replacement, but gave no timetable for when it will be completed.
“I
am sure many of you will have concerns or questions,” Jacques’ email to
GIA staff stated. “Please discuss them with your manager, bearing in
mind that they may have the same concerns and questions.”
“Any
change in senior management is difficult,” it continued. “I ask that
everyone focus on their responsibilities and on providing the best
service we can to our laboratory clients, students, stakeholders and the
public. “
Baker, a lawyer and former nun with a master's degree
in business, joined GIA in 2001 as vice president and general counsel.
She was appointed president in 2006 after the resignation of longtime
head William E. Boyajian. She was the first woman to head the
organization. In 2008, she was also named CEO.
Among Baker’s achievements has been spearheading the GIA lab’s international expansion.
Tom
Moses, senior vice president of laboratory and research, will still
oversee GIA’s lab operations. Bev Hori, vice president of education and
chief learning officer, will lead GIA’s gemological and industry
education efforts.
The statement said that “no other management changes are planned.”